Lynika's Funeral Expenses and Scholarship Fund

Thank you! We are tremendously thankful to everyone for their generosity and support. Lynika's story has touched so many people. Although we have met our original goal to cover the funeral costs, the family has decided to increase it to establish a scholarship fund in her honor. Now, the funds we raise here will go towards her funeral expenses, medical bills, and supporting young scientists like Lynika. We hope you will help us continue her legacy and keep her memory shining bright.

June 7, 2020, Lynika Strozier passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Lynika was a brilliant, loving, and determined individual who beat the odds at everything in life. When life gave her lemons, she made a lemonade stand. She was filled with knowledge and she passed it on as much as could and dedicated her life to education, research, and mentoring others. 


She obtained an Associates in science from Harry S. Truman College in 2007, and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science from Dominican University in 2011, and then earned her Master's degree in Science and Education from UIC in 2018 and finally, she achieved another Master's degree from Loyola University in Biological Sciences that same year. 


She worked as a researcher at the Field Museum in the Pritzker DNA Lab, she was also the BIO-Art Lab coordinator at SAIC, and as of recently, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a Biology professor at Malcolm X College. 


Lynika radiated with passion for science and educating others. But other than her physical and educational accomplishments, she was an astounding individual. She had a substantial lust for life and good times. She prided herself on taking care of her loved ones and encouraging them to persevere. Her sense of humor was one of kind and she always lit up the room.


She may no longer be with us physically, but she will forever remain in our hearts.

Currently, our family cannot fund her funeral expenses. If you can donate or share this page, it would mean a lot.

Please be safe, please take care of your loved ones.  This virus has no boundaries.

All funds will go to Lynika’s grandmother, Sharon Wright, who is handling all her issues. We estimate funeral costs to be roughly $11K, the remaining funds will go first towards medical bills and then towards establishing a scholarship in Lynika’s honor. The family has been working with her former mentors (Matt von Konrat, Thorsten Lumbsch, Field Museum; Sushma Reddy, Corrie Moreau)  to establish a scholarship fund to support young Black women with internship opportunities at STEM institutions in Chicago.